O'brien names Moran as new team trainer

BRENDAN FURLONG

THERE'S NO revolving door as new Wexford Senior football manager Aidan O'Brien contemplates his squad for the 2013 campaign, with all of the current squad invited back along with some additional names from the Under-21 side of the past two seasons.

While O'Brien has yet to settle on his squad, he has found time to complete his backroom team and is looking towards rugby to help their preparations for the new season.

The Good Counsel Vice-Principal has confirmed Jason Moran as the team's physical trainer, replacing Mick Casey who was part of Jason Ryan's set-up.

A Waterford-based personal trainer, Moran (29) is a former Leinster and Irish Under-20 player and also enjoyed some rugby experience in New Zealand for a period.

However, an injury brought an early end to what looked like a promising playing career. He holds a masters degree in physiology and nutrition from Chester University.

Also included in the backroom team is Dara Kissane of Geraldine O'Hanrahans who will be responsible for statistics and organisational details.

The physio will be Adrian Copeland with Dr. Kevin Byrne continuing as medical officer to the team. Returning as kit man is HWH-Bunclody's Wally Byrne.

The only player missing from last year's squad is Adamstown's Eric Bradley (pictured) who has returned to New York.

Bradley, who arrived home after spending the summer in the big apple, has returned across the Atlantic again and will not figure in the early-season plans.

'I've asked the players from last year's squad back in plus a number of players from the Under-21 team, although many of them were already in. We have the O'Byrne Cup in January and we will then finalise a squad for the National League. As of yet no player has expressed that he's contemplating retirement,' O'Brien said.

Looking ahead, he is fully conscious of the task in the league. 'Division 2 is a big step up and a big challenge but we will be challenging very seriously to maintain our place. It's our first real challenge, but it's far better operating at a higher level. I've no doubt that the players' attitude will not be found wanting.

'The nature of the competition is such that we are going to need things going our way such as a free run without injuries and a few breaks along the way.' The Wexford boss also said they will be dealing with the dual player issue. 'We will meet with the players on the dual issue. Firstly we have to see if any dual players will be involved but should it arise I will meet the players on a personal basis and discuss the matter. We will work with the players.'

O'Brien has already met with his squad and is clearly intent on hitting the ground running.

With the players having re-affirmed their commitment to the Wexford cause, it will be interesting to see the squad once the new manager and his backroom team have finalised details for the O'Byrne Cup and the National League.